Due to extreme cold temperatures, Iowa State classes before 11:30 a.m. will be held virtually Tuesday. Afternoon and evening classes will remain in person.
“We’ll continue to monitor weather conditions throughout the week and provide any updates by email and on the Iowa State alert page,” the email sent by ISU stated.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued an extreme cold watch for all of Iowa, beginning at 9 p.m. Monday through Tuesday until noon.
An extreme cold watch is issued when wind chills are expected to reach 30 degrees below zero or lower across Iowa within two to three days. Wind chills could plummet to 30 to 37 degrees below zero, posing a risk of hypothermia or frostbite in just 10 minutes on exposed skin. Frostbite is a significant risk and can develop quickly, especially when walking long distances across campus.
In Ames, the NWS forecasts wind chills “20 below to 35 below zero will be common through Friday morning.” The NWS states additional cold weather warnings may be “likely this week beyond Tuesday.”
Some recommendations and precautions from the NWS include:
- Dress in multiple layers, including a hat, face covering and gloves. Cover all exposed skin to avoid frostbite.
- Limit outside travel if possible, and use caution.
- Prepare vehicles with blankets, water, snacks, emergency supplies, etc.
- Keep pets indoors as much as possible.
Previous reporting from the Daily provides deeper insights into staying warm and safe during extreme weather.
Stay updated with forecasts and take necessary precautions to avoid cold-related illnesses. For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service website. Iowa State-related updates will be posted at http://www.isualert.iastate.edu/.
